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Natural rock pool at El Caletón, in Garachico, with volcanic rocks and clear water

Natural pools guide · Tenerife

Natural pools in Tenerife: 18 rock pools and swimming spots

The 18 natural pools and rock pools (charcos) with an official Turismo de Tenerife listing, by area: how to get there, which tide suits each, what facilities they have and, above all, when not to swim. With a map and safety up front.

Before you swimSee the 18 pools
18pools and rock pools
4areas of the island
3 Nov 2026data checked

Quick answer

What they are and what you need to know.

A rock pool (charco) or natural pool is a hollow that lava left when it reached the sea and that the sea refills with the tides. Some have been fitted with ramps, showers or lifeguards.

What they are

Lava and sea

Rock pools and swimming pools formed by lava flows, and fitted-out pools beside them. Here, the 18 with an official Turismo de Tenerife listing.

Where they are

North and west

Almost all of them, between Garachico, Los Silos, La Guancha, San Juan de la Rambla, Tacoronte and La Laguna. In the south-west there are three.

Safety

The sea rules

They close when there is a coastal-phenomena pre-alert. In December 2025 a wave killed people at a pool that was closed. Read the safety section.

Entry

No fee in the listings

The listings for the 18 mention no price. Only 2 mention lifeguards or supervision (Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo). Costa Martiánez and the Parque Marítimo are artificial pools, covered separately.

Information checked on 3 November 2026. The official listings are not updated daily and the state of each pool depends on the sea and the town council. Check the day's warnings and the signs on site before you swim.

Before you swim

What to know before you get into a rock pool.

Rock pools are not swimming pools: the sea comes in and out. These are the warnings that matter most, with their sources.

If there is a pre-alert, do not go

When coastal-phenomena warnings are in force, town councils close access to rock pools and pools. Ignoring fences and tape is what has caused deaths. Check the AEMET warnings and 112 Canarias (in Spanish) on the day.

Isla Cangrejo, December 2025

On 7 December 2025 a wave struck the natural pool at Isla Cangrejo (Los Gigantes), which had been sealed off and fenced because of the pre-alert, killing four people and leaving one missing, according to RTVC (in Spanish). The mayor of Santiago del Teide said those affected were tourists who got past the barriers.

The tide decides

Each pool works better at a given tide, according to its listing: La Araña and Puerto Santiago–Las Bajas at low tide; Juaniquín and El Inglés at high tide; El Cumplido at high water. Check the tide and swell forecast (in Spanish).

Water quality

The Health Surveillance Programme for bathing areas in Tenerife rated 92% as excellent in 2025 and, in the first nine months of 2026, 99% of the tests were negative, according to RTVC (in Spanish). Even so, there are occasional closures: El Caletón closed in August 2025 because of E. coli and reopened the next day.

Supervision

Only the listings for Bajamar (lifeguards) and Punta del Hidalgo (supervision) mention it. At the others do not count on a lifeguard, do not swim alone and watch children without distraction.

Footwear and rock

General advice, not from the listings: volcanic rock is slippery and sharp. Wear water shoes, use the designated access points and do not jump from the rocks.

How to choose

Pick by what you are looking for.

You do not need to visit all 18. These are the clearest combinations according to the official listings; each name takes you to its entry.

I'm going with children and want facilities

The listings with the most facilities: changing rooms, lifeguards, showers and adapted access, on the La Laguna coast.

I want the calmest water

The listings describe these as having calm water: sheltered bays or pools. It always depends on the day and the swell.

I want to snorkel

The two listings that mention it explicitly: one at low tide and one in a sheltered lava bay.

I need a ramp or handrail

Listings that mention ramps, steps with handrails or adapted access.

I want a sunset

Those that highlight sunsets: with the Teide, with La Gomera or over the ocean.

I'm going to the Isla Baja

A day of rock pools between Garachico and Los Silos, without crossing the island.

Map

The 18 pools on the island.

Each number links to its entry. Positions are approximate, based on the addresses in the listings and OpenStreetMap, and several are very close together (La Caleta de Interián).

Map of Tenerife with the 18 natural pools in this guideOutline of the island with 18 numbered markers, coloured by area. Each marker links to the pool entry.TeideSanta CruzPuerto de la CruzLos Cristianos10 kmN11. El Caletón22. Charco de La Araña33. Charco Los Chochos44. Charco Don Gabino55. Charco Juaniquín66. Charco El Inglés77. Charco del Cumplido88. Charco Roque99. Charco de Isla Cangrejo1010. Pools at Puerto Santiago and Las Bajas1111. Paseo La Jaquita pools1212. Charco del Viento1313. Charco de la Laja1414. Mesa del Mar pools1515. El Pris natural pool1616. Bajamar natural pools1717. Punta del Hidalgo pools1818. Jover natural pool

Isla Baja and Los Silos

West and south-west

North and Acentejo

La Laguna: Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo and Jover

Own map using OpenStreetMap data (ODbL). To get there, use the "Directions" link on each entry.

Catalogue

18 pools and rock pools, area by area.

Each entry summarises the official listing and adds the warnings and closures we have found. "Not stated" means the listing does not mention it, not that it does not exist.

Area
I want

Pools 1 to 8Isla Baja and Los Silos

The stretch with the most rock pools on the island: El Caletón in Garachico, six pools in Los Silos (several in La Caleta de Interián) and Charco Roque in Buenavista. Many are small and depend on the tide. For the town, see the Garachico guide.

Walkway and natural pools at El Caletón, Garachico

El Caletón

Garachico

Several natural rock pools formed by lava on the Garachico coast, now one of the town's great attractions. They are used mainly in summer. Swimming is suitable for everyone and the water is usually calm, but the sea in the area can be quite rough.

  • Seafood restaurants nearby
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Garachico town council closed them on 19 August 2025 because of high levels of E. coli bacteria and reopened them the next day, when the water was back to optimal (RTVC, in Spanish).

Directions ↗Garachico guide

Charco de La Araña

Los Silos

A natural pool that appears at low tide and disappears at high tide; the listing recommends it for snorkelling. It is next to the beach of the same name and close to the municipal pools. On the promenade there is the skeleton of a sei whale, a tribute to cetaceans, with views of the La Culata cliffs.

  • Best at low tide
  • Seafront promenade
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Charco Los Chochos

Los Silos

About two metres deep at its deepest, with a stone staircase with a handrail. It is suitable for families and can be used all year if the sea is in good condition. You can see the La Culata cliffs and, on clear days, the Teide. Its name comes from the lupins (“chochos”) that farmers soaked in salt water.

  • Access: staircase with handrail
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Charco Don Gabino

Los Silos

A volcanic rock pool about ten metres long and two deep at most, very close to the Bufadero. It has a sunbathing area and several stone access points. It is named after Gabino Dorta, a banana-plantation owner.

  • Access: several stone access points
  • Sunbathing area
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

The official listing advises against going near the part closest to the sea: the swell is usually quite strong.

Directions ↗

Charco Juaniquín

Los Silos

At high tide it becomes a pool carved into the rock, medium-sized and shallow, with a pebble area that forms a small beach. A ramp with a handrail leads in. It is used mainly by residents of La Caleta de Interián, from April to December. You reach it along San Andrés or Miramar streets.

  • Best at high tide
  • Access: ramp with handrail
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

If you are here on the eve of San Andrés (29 November), you can watch the fireworks over the water from here, according to the listing.

Directions ↗

Charco El Inglés

Los Silos

Much loved by locals. Best at high tide, when it reaches its greatest depth. It has a stone staircase with a handrail. It is named after an English family who swam here in the late 19th century, next to the old sugar mill whose chimney is still standing. Local fishermen use it.

  • Best at high tide
  • Access: staircase with handrail
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Charco del Cumplido

Los Silos

In La Caleta de Interián, next to the natural salt pans. It is named for its elongated shape. Its deepest part does not exceed two metres and it has an access ramp. The best time to swim is high water. Nearby are the Las Damas and El Romancito pools, which also work at low tide if sea conditions allow.

  • Best at high water
  • Access: access ramp
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Charco Roque

Buenavista del Norte

A showcase of how the sea has moulded twisted lava shapes. It lies between Las Arenas and El Fraile beaches and is one of the spots most visited by locals, especially in summer. The listing recommends it for anyone looking for a quiet corner.

  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Pools 9 to 11West and south-west

Three pools on the coast of Santiago del Teide and Guía de Isora: two next to Los Gigantes and one in Alcalá. For the surroundings, see the Los Gigantes guide and the west guide.

Charco de Isla Cangrejo

Santiago del Teide

A natural pool in the Isla Cangrejo development, next to Los Gigantes, protected from the waves by a concrete wall. It is reached by a staircase. Watching the waves break on the rocks and the sunsets are part of its appeal.

  • Access: staircase
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Take extreme care at high tide and in heavy swell. On 7 December 2025 a wave struck this pool, which had been sealed off and fenced because of a pre-alert, killing four people and leaving one missing, according to RTVC (in Spanish).

Directions ↗

Pools at Puerto Santiago and Las Bajas

Santiago del Teide

A small bay sheltered from the waves by arms of lava, behind the Barceló hotel. At low tide it is a place of clear water among volcanic formations. It has an access staircase and a coastal walk with sunsets.

  • Best at low tide
  • Access: staircase
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

The listing asks for extreme care in heavy swell and at high tide.

Directions ↗

Paseo La Jaquita pools

Guía de Isora

Natural pools of volcanic origin, much loved by local residents, next to a hotel on the Alcalá promenade. Calm, clear water and sunsets with La Gomera in the background.

  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Pools 12 to 15North and Acentejo

The north coast between La Guancha and Tacoronte, where the listings warn of strong swell. It includes sheltered lava bays, a pool with parking and one with sunsets over the Teide. For the north in general, see the north guide.

Charco del Viento in La Guancha, between two arms of lava

Charco del Viento

La Guancha

A small natural bay in the Santa Catalina district, formed by two arms of lava that shelter the water from the strong swell of the area. Very popular with locals and tourists. You can fish and snorkel in its calm, clear water.

  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Charco de la Laja

San Juan de la Rambla

A small volcanic paradise of clear, calm water on the coast of San Juan de la Rambla. You get there along a path that runs along the coast. The swell is usually calm, but sometimes it is strong.

  • Access: coastal path
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

During a coastal-phenomena pre-alert access was closed and the regional police had to step in because people were ignoring the signs (Canarian Weekly).

Directions ↗

Mesa del Mar pools

Tacoronte

A small tourist hamlet with two pools: one fills only in the summer months and the other is available all year. Access is easy and there is parking, although the road descends the hillside with quite sharp bends.

  • Access: easy, with parking
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

El Pris natural pool in Tacoronte, with waves and rocks at sunset

El Pris natural pool

Tacoronte

On the rugged coast of Tacoronte, a good place to watch the sunset with the Teide in the background. Steps and ramps with handrails make it suitable for families and older people. The contrast between its calm water and the heavy swell of the sea is striking.

  • Access: steps and ramps with handrails
  • Seafood restaurants nearby
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Directions ↗

Pools 16 to 18La Laguna: Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo and Jover

The best-equipped pools on the list, on the coast of the La Laguna municipality: lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and adapted access. In June 2026 the town council raised Blue Flags at Bajamar, Jover and El Arenisco (Punta del Hidalgo). For the area, see the north-east guide.

Bajamar natural pools in La Laguna, with the sea wall and the coast beyond

Bajamar natural pools

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Two large pools and a small one for children, with changing rooms, lifeguards, restaurants and activities organised by the town council. Access is adapted for older people and people with reduced mobility, with ramps and handrails. Watching the waves break against the sea wall while you swim is part of its charm.

  • Access: ramps and handrails (adapted)
  • Changing rooms, lifeguards and restaurants
  • Lifeguards or supervision

Blue Flag in 2026, according to La Laguna town council. In August 2025 it was closed to swimming because of swell during a pre-alert (RTVC, in Spanish).

Directions ↗North-east guide

Punta del Hidalgo natural pool and the coastal village

Punta del Hidalgo pools

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Seawater pools with a Blue Flag according to the official listing, fitted out for swimming and with supervision, showers and adapted access. A walk along the seafront with views of the ocean and the Teide rounds off the day.

  • Access: adapted access
  • Supervision and showers
  • Lifeguards or supervision

Blue Flag in 2026 at El Arenisco (Punta del Hidalgo), according to La Laguna town council. In August 2025 it was closed to swimming because of swell (RTVC, in Spanish).

Directions ↗Anaga guide

Jover natural pool

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

A calm pool on the Tejina coast, with views of the north coast. It has access adapted for people with reduced mobility and a freshwater shower that runs down from the mountain through channels carved into the rock over the years.

  • Access: adapted access
  • Natural freshwater shower
  • Lifeguards: not stated in the listing

Blue Flag in 2026 (Jóver, Tejina), according to La Laguna town council.

Directions ↗

The two artificial pools. The official catalogue also includes Costa Martiánez (Puerto de la Cruz), an artificial lake of about 27,000 m³ of seawater with four more adult pools and three children's pools according to its listing, which has its own Lago Martiánez guide, and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), a 22,000 m² complex with pools, restaurants and sports facilities. They are not natural rock pools; we have not found recent information on the Parque Marítimo, so check its status before you go.

Combinations

Pools that go well together.

Groupings by proximity. Times are driving time between stops, with OpenStreetMap routes and a 30% margin; they do not include swimming time. Always check the sea before choosing.

3 stops

A day in the Isla Baja

From the town of Garachico to La Caleta de Interián, the corner of Los Silos with the most rock pools. If you arrive at low tide, Los Chochos and La Araña come first; at high tide, Cumplido, Juaniquín and El Inglés.

  1. El Caletón → 3.9 km · 6–8 min
  2. Charco del Cumplido → 2.8 km · 8–10 min
  3. Charco Los Chochos

6.6 km · 13–17 min driving between stops

3 stops

The La Laguna pools

Three pools on the same coast, from Tejina to Punta del Hidalgo. They are the best equipped and combine well with a walk around Punta del Hidalgo.

  1. Jover natural pool → 6.6 km · 11–14 min
  2. Bajamar natural pools → 3.9 km · 7–8 min
  3. Punta del Hidalgo pools

10.5 km · 17–22 min driving between stops

2 stops

Tacoronte: Mesa del Mar and El Pris

Two pools on the Tacoronte coast, a few minutes apart, and a sunset with the Teide in the background.

  1. Mesa del Mar pools → 4.3 km · 6–8 min
  2. El Pris natural pool

4.3 km · 6–8 min driving between stops

Comparison

The 18 pools, at a glance.

Only data that appears in the official listings. "Not stated" means the listing does not mention it.

PoolMunicipalityBest tideAccessFacilitiesSupervision
1. El CaletónGarachicoNot statedNot statedSeafood restaurants nearbyNot stated
2. Charco de La ArañaLos SilosLow tideNot statedSeafront promenadeNot stated
3. Charco Los ChochosLos SilosNot statedStaircase with handrail—Not stated
4. Charco Don GabinoLos SilosNot statedSeveral stone access pointsSunbathing areaNot stated
5. Charco JuaniquínLos SilosHigh tideRamp with handrail—Not stated
6. Charco El InglésLos SilosHigh tideStaircase with handrail—Not stated
7. Charco del CumplidoLos SilosHigh waterAccess ramp—Not stated
8. Charco RoqueBuenavista del NorteNot statedNot stated—Not stated
9. Charco de Isla CangrejoSantiago del TeideNot statedStaircase—Not stated
10. Pools at Puerto Santiago and Las BajasSantiago del TeideLow tideStaircase—Not stated
11. Paseo La Jaquita poolsGuía de IsoraNot statedNot stated—Not stated
12. Charco del VientoLa GuanchaNot statedNot stated—Not stated
13. Charco de la LajaSan Juan de la RamblaNot statedCoastal path—Not stated
14. Mesa del Mar poolsTacoronteNot statedEasy, with parking—Not stated
15. El Pris natural poolTacoronteNot statedSteps and ramps with handrailsSeafood restaurants nearbyNot stated
16. Bajamar natural poolsSan Cristóbal de La LagunaNot statedRamps and handrails (adapted)Changing rooms, lifeguards and restaurantsYes, per the listing
17. Punta del Hidalgo poolsSan Cristóbal de La LagunaNot statedAdapted accessSupervision and showersYes, per the listing
18. Jover natural poolSan Cristóbal de La LagunaNot statedAdapted accessNatural freshwater showerNot stated

Frequently asked questions

What people ask most about rock pools.

The answers, with data from the sources checked on 3 November 2026.

How many natural pools are there in Tenerife?

This guide covers the 18 natural pools and rock pools with an official Turismo de Tenerife listing, plus two artificial seawater pool complexes (Costa Martiánez and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique), which are dealt with separately. There are more local rock pools without a listing: if they are not here, it is because they are not in the official catalogue.

What is the best natural pool to go to with children?

According to the listings, the ones with the most facilities are Bajamar (two large pools and a children's pool, changing rooms, lifeguards, ramps and handrails), Punta del Hidalgo (supervision, showers and adapted access) and Jover (adapted access and a freshwater shower). All three are on the La Laguna coast. Even so, with children keep them in sight: the sea can change in a moment.

Do you have to pay to enter natural pools?

The official listings for the 18 do not mention any entry fee. Costa Martiánez, in Puerto de la Cruz, is a paid site: you have the prices in the Lago Martiánez guide. We have not found current information on the terms at the Parque Marítimo César Manrique: check before you go.

Are there lifeguards at the natural pools?

Only the listings for Bajamar (lifeguards) and Punta del Hidalgo (supervision) mention them. At the rest there is no record, so do not count on them. If you go to a rock pool without supervision, take extreme care and do not get in if the sea is rough.

Is it better to go at high or low tide?

It depends on the pool, and the listings say so: La Araña and the Puerto Santiago–Las Bajas pools, at low tide; Juaniquín and El Inglés, at high tide; El Cumplido, at high water. Check the day's tide table on Portus (Puertos del Estado) (in Spanish).

Can natural pools be used in winter?

Several listings talk of use mainly in summer (El Caletón, Charco Roque, Mesa del Mar). Los Chochos is available all year if the sea allows, and Juaniquín is used from April to December. In winter the north-coast swell is more frequent and the listings warn of it at El Caletón, La Laja or El Pris: check the warnings before you go.

What should I do if there is a coastal-phenomena pre-alert?

Do not go. With a pre-alert or alert from the Canary Islands Government, town councils close access to rock pools and pools, and going in is dangerous even if the water looks calm. Check the AEMET warnings and 112 Canarias (in Spanish).

Are there natural pools in the south of Tenerife?

In the official list, only in the south-west: Isla Cangrejo and Puerto Santiago–Las Bajas (Santiago del Teide) and Paseo La Jaquita (Guía de Isora). The tourist south (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) is enjoyed mainly on beaches: see the beaches guide.

Where can I snorkel in a natural pool?

The listings mention Charco de La Araña (at low tide) and Charco del Viento. Snorkelling needs very calm seas: if there is swell, do not get in. For marine life, see the marine life guide.

Which pool is good for sunset?

The listings highlight the sunsets at El Pris (with the Teide in the background), Paseo La Jaquita (with La Gomera), Puerto Santiago–Las Bajas and Isla Cangrejo. If you go at sunset, plan the return in daylight and check the swell first.

Are the Lago Martiánez pools natural?

No. Costa Martiánez and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique are complexes of artificial seawater pools. The first has its own Lago Martiánez guide.

Sources

Where the data comes from.

Information checked on 3 November 2026. We mark what is not official.

Keep exploring the island

From the water to the views.

If you have time left, see the viewpoints of Tenerife, the beaches or the day-by-day itineraries.

Tenerife viewpointsBeaches of TenerifeLago MartiánezItineraries

Photo of El Caletón (cover): Xavigivax, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Photo of the El Caletón walkway: Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Photo of Charco del Viento: Al3x dybala21, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Photo of El Pris: Noemi M.M., Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Photo of the Bajamar pools: Mentxuwiki, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Photo of Punta del Hidalgo: Mentxuwiki, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)